#JobSearch : If You’ve Been Interviewing Without Any Success, It’s Time For A Self-Help Checkup.

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If you are not gaining traction in your job search after months of trying, it’s time to take stock of what you’ve been doing. It’s not easy to engage in critical self-introspection. You’d like to think that you’re doing everything right, but no one is giving you a chance.

That could be the case, but to play it safe, it makes sense to conduct a self-assessment and audit of your actions to determine if you’re doing your best in pursuit of a new job. Here’s a checklist to help you figure out if you need to improve your job search strategy and efforts.

Check Your Tone

It’s easy to become jaded, frustrated and angry with the interview process. It’s particularly stressful when we’re in the midst of a pandemic, millions of people are out of work, you’re stuck at home and the news seems bleak.

Although it’s understandable to feel aggrieved, you can’t let it show during the interview process. Hiring managers, recruiters and human resource professionals desire people who are positive, motivated, sharp and exude confidence. They feel that this type of person can add value, work well with others and contribute in a positive and meaningful way.

Be honest with yourself. Do you come across bitterly, talk badly about your past bosses and co-workers? It’s a big turnoff if you act like a resentful malcontent. With so many people seeking out new jobs, the people involved with the interview will take a hard pass and move onto someone who has a nicer disposition that fits in with the corporate culture.

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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Focus on the details

Take a fresh new look at your résumé, LinkedIn profile and social media presence. On the logistics side, you must ensure that your grammar, punctuation and spelling are accurate. Photos, background and any other graphic additions should be clear, in focus and serve to burnish your brand. Remember to include a phone number and email address, so people can easily contact you. Add links to projects that you’d like hiring managers to see.

Your responsibilities, past accomplishments and achievements should jump out at the reader and make them take notice. Be specific and quantify your success with data, numbers and examples. Make sure that whatever you write is the truth. If you embellish too much, it could blow up in your face during the interview and background check.

Make sure that your résumé, LinkedIn profile, elevator pitch and social media profiles and postings highlight your success, brand and core responsibilities. It’s imperative that you tell the reader what you want to do next, so that they understand your goals.

Interviews now—and for the foreseeable future—will be conducted via online videos. Ensure that you have all of the appropriate technologies and tools to succeed. Conduct trial runs to check if everything is working properly. This should include a check to determine if the picture quality is poor, connection spotty, background inappropriate for your brand, the lighting too dark and the mic doesn’t work well. Audit and remedy these inadequacies far in advance of the interview.

If you haven’t done so already, please practice online interviewing with some trusted advisors who can offer meaningful and actionable advice, feedback and critiques. Keep in mind your body language. Are you squirming in your seat, averting eye contact by looking everywhere else besides the camera lens, crossing your arms or noticeably getting distracted from the call?

Shooting yourself in the foot

Your job search is now your job and utmost priority. A thorough, well-thought-out strategy to achieve your objectives is necessary. We’re not in the type of job market in which you could just “wing it.” Just like a sports team has a game plan and a road trip requires a map or GPS system, the same holds true for your job search. Yes, you want a job, but you also need to have a daily system in place to execute your objectives on a consistent daily basis. If not, you’ll waste precious time going around in circles.

If you bombard a company with résumés and application submissions for over a dozen different job listings, this approach will epically fail. The corporate human resources and talent acquisition professionals will assume that you’re taking a scattershot approach to your job search and couldn’t care less about the job or company. To them, it’s like you’re throwing things against the wall and hoping that it sticks.

It’s smart to be conscious of other people’s time. When offered an interview, graciously inquire what days and times work best for them. Never provide a time-slot availability too early in the morning, late in the day or right before or after a long weekend. The interviewer may accept these awkward times, but inwardly resent you for making the person drag themselves into an interview at 7:30 a.m. after a long holiday weekend.

Much has been written about corporations ghosting candidates. Just because they do it, it doesn’t mean you should too. Don’t disappear during the interview process. If something comes up that requires you to reschedule a meeting or temporarily pull out of consideration, be polite and let them know what’s happening. They’ll understand. They won’t, however, understand if you go dark on them. They’ll think of you as rude or a flake and simply move on.

Takeaway

Review all of your actions—big or small. Continually ask yourself:

  • Am I paying attention to the important details on my résumé, LinkedIn and social media?
  • Does it represent me the way I’d like to be perceived?
  • Do I come across positive and upbeat or downcast and surly?
  • Should I devote more highly focused time to my daily job search?
  • Is my tone and body language a selling point or ruining my chances?
  • How am I acting—accommodating or inconsiderate?

Sometimes things boil down to the many small, incremental actions you take on a regular daily basis. Thoughtfully continue to check on what you’re doing. The aim is to ensure that you’re doing everything within your power to succeed in the job search.

 

Forbes.com | September 13, 2020 | Jack Kelly 

#JobSearch : Looking For A New Job? Here Are 10 Places You Might Have Overlooked. Great Read!

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The labor forecasts are dismal, predicting steep increases in additional layoffs with hiring being relatively stagnant. These statistics are enough to depress any job seeker.

However, if you’ve been applying online and hearing crickets, you’re not alone. An online job search may feel productive, but it’s actually one of the most competitive and least successful ways to search for new employment. Afterall, since more than 70% of the available openings are in the hidden market (aka, not advertised in public), applying online means you’re competing with 100% of job seekers for 30% of the available roles. The odds are already against you.

So, the trick to finding new employment in a tough job market is to do the opposite of what everyone else is doing and search for work in places the majority are not also looking.

Here are some places where job seekers have found success that you may not have considered:

1- Boomerang. If you’ve not heard this term in relation to careers, then it may be something you have overlooked in your current job search. A boomerang role is when you return to a previous employer after working elsewhere for a period of time. The benefits of this to the company include hiring a “known” employee who is familiar with the company culture and tools, and also brings new ideas and skills. While many companies aren’t hiring for full-time roles during the pandemic since the future is unknown, they still have many projects to complete, so a former employee who knows the systems and processes can be a great contract hire.

How to do it: Reach out to the people you know who are still at the company and get the insider scoop of how the pandemic has impacted the organization and what new problems have arisen. Listen to learn if there are any outstanding projects, new challenges or opportunities to contribute in a meaningful way based on your prior experience. Then, make a direct proposal. It could be a win-win in the short-term, and even potentially in the long-term.

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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2- Your inner circle. While it’s true that many opportunities come from what Granovetter defined in his 1970’s research as “weak ties” (those people outside of your inner circle), it’s often your strong ties who make the introduction to those individuals, usually with a glowing endorsement. But if they don’t know what you’re looking for specifically, they can’t be an ambassador for you. You may believe the people closest to you understand your brand and specific market value, but likely they only know the highlights (e.g., general field, perhaps company name). This means there’s an opportunity.

How to do it: Have a formal conversation about your career with individuals in your network. First, ask if there’s anything you can help them with, and then share your career goals with a specific ask. Not an ask for a job, since they likely don’t have one or else you’d have known about it, but rather an introduction to someone in their network, or any information they may have on a company you’re targeting, or perhaps a request to do some digging at their company to see if anyone has projects or needs help in an area where you have expertise. Make it easy for others to help you and those in your inner circle will do everything they can to try. Commit to follow up every few weeks.

3- Projects, contracts and gigs. When unemployed, many look for full-time work, mistakenly believing that it’s more secure than a contract. This is a false assumption in an “employment at will” State, so don’t overlook opportunities that may help to get your foot in the door (the hardest part of a job search!). Contract work is an often overlooked segment of the job openings, so just by opening up to these roles, you’re already ahead of the game. The major benefit of these roles is having the chance to show a company first-hand the valuable skills you bring to the market. Also, you’ll learn new skills and build new network contacts, which can help with your career down the road. 

How to do it: Whether searching online or through your network, don’t limit your search criteria to only full-time roles. Check out some of the sites like FlexJobs and SoloGig as well for ideas. When connecting with your network (preferred method), mention that you’re open to both full-time and project work. Others may assume that you aren’t open to short-term employment, so be clear in your outreach.

4- Hang a shingle. Although this isn’t for everyone, if you have an expertise in an area that others are willing to pay for, you may consider starting your own business or side hustle. For example, if you have recruiting experience, you can help job seekers create resumes or hone their interviewing skills by joining LinkedIn’s Profinder. If you have a CPA, maybe you can help individuals or small businesses that need accounting assistance through Freelancer.com. If you’re a tech whiz, offering to help others build websites or increase their SEO on social media might be a great temporary gig. Maybe you’re handy and can sell your services on sites like TaskRabbit. Creativity and determination can open a door you hadn’t considered before.

How to do it: Assess your skillset and the problems the market is facing to find the overlap. Start with people you know to assess if your idea is viable (a broad sampling) and to shape your ideal customer and marketing pitch. Create a free website (or use already existing social media like LinkedIn or Facebook) to create an online presence so others can learn more about your services and inquire. Also, considering setting up an LLC to protect your personal finances, and be sure to follow the Federal and State tax laws .

5- Send a proposal. This is something I’ve seen work, but you need to be targeted and do your homework. Identify a company you would like to work with and do an analysis of the market, customers or industry that could be helpful to their business. You can also research challenges the company is tackling and send ideas of what may be helpful. In order for this to work, you need to know the industry well and put some effort into the proposal you create. Also, be prepared that it may not lead to a direct offer, but could impress the decision-makers enough to keep you in mind for the future.

How to do it: Pick one or two select companies in an industry you know very well. Identify a problem or an area that may help the company increase revenues, and then build a strategic plan. The key is to approach this project as if you’re in a leadership role at the organization. If you can learn non-proprietary information from an insider, that can certainly help. Then, compile a proposal with ideas (including cost analysis, potential obstacles, competitor analysis, ROI, etc.) and network to find the appropriate decision-maker to send it to.

6- Follow the news trail. Although it’s easy to get distracted by the doomsday and political news on social media, make it a habit to follow the business news. Often there are hints about an organization’s hiring needs long before they’re ready to draft a job posting. If you currently only follow mainstream media, consider local business journals and industry publications relevant to your field. You’ll likely be surprised at what you can learn.

How to do it: Narrow down your market and start to follow the companies (or targeted geography, etc.) you’re interested in. Set up Google Alerts, follow companies on Twitter and subscribe to publications that align with your targets. Look for information that indicates a potential need for new employees including restructuring, expansion, changing regulations, new products or services, a shift in leadership or strategy, a different customer base, etc. Follow the chain to identify what potential opportunities these organizational shifts may create and start networking your way in before these roles get taken or published to the masses.

7- Change industries. If your industry is one that has been crushed by the pandemic, it may be time to stop waiting and start investing in a new industry. Fortunately, an industry switch is one of the less difficult career changes because you can rely on your strong functional skills to pave the way.

How to do it: Identify peripheral industries such as vendors, feeder fields or those with a similar customer base as a place to start. The more you know about the field, the easier it’ll be to convince an employer to consider you. Another option is to look at industries that are growing during the pandemic and will likely continue to such as supply chain, pharma, and communication technologies. Then, research the challenges, customers, competitors and outlook for the new industry so you can clearly map out how your functional skills translate to profitable returns.

8- Find people at booming companies. Since not all positions are posted online (up to 70%), look at people you know in your network who are currently working at companies that are benefiting from the impact of the pandemic. Organizations like Amazon, Zoom and Netflix are raking in the profits from the changes in societal norms and may have roles that appeal to you. Also, look at places or services that you’ve been frequenting more during the pandemic. The wine industry, certain types of manufacturing plants and technology companies can barely keep up with demand.

How to do it: Be creative and talk to others to learn what is happening. Often our small world isn’t representative of what is going on in the larger environment, so be a sleuth and get curious. When you discover something of interest, be direct with your network contact that you would appreciate a referral and tell them why you’ll make a reliable employee. It’s okay to take a “bridge” role, but if you’re asking someone to spend their social capital on you, they need to trust you won’t tarnish their reputation.

9- Temporary agencies. Depending on your experience doing temporary work, you may have skipped this option in your search, but don’t be too quick to judge. While multiple one or two week roles strung together may not be ideal, often reliable temps can progress to juicier assignments (e.g., 3 – 4 months for maternity coverage), and many agencies staff temp-to-perm roles and even some permanent positions. In addition, you’ll likely get some guidance with your resume, and some agencies even offer benefits after a time.

How to do it: Check out The SMB Guide’s top ranked staffing agencies, as well as local or regional agencies. You can usually find reviews online to help you choose, so do your homework. Also, never pay a staffing agency. The company that engages the agency to hire workers is responsible for payment, so walk away if asked for money. Lastly, treat the interview like you would any other full-time professional role – dress the part, show up on time, prepare for the interview, bring your paperwork and know your availability.

10- Online customer service. What used to be considered a probable scam is now a booming business, especially as more companies embrace remote work. Of course, you’ll always want to do your due diligence (offers that sound too good to be true often are, especially if they reach out to you directly, ask for inappropriate personal information or require money to join). However, with the growing virtual workforce and increase in technology services, shipping and other online services, these opportunities are growing.

How to do it: Check out websites like LiveOps, Working Solutions or Upwork or look for these roles at large companies with customer service departments. These jobs can often have flexible hours, and if your assignments aren’t full-time, you can continue to network and look for other opportunities while earning money and building new skills.

The keys to securing employment in a down market include being open, using your network, getting creating and being willing to directly ask for what you want. A fortunate silver lining of the pandemic is that many individuals are hungry for connection and are building new relationships (or rekindling old ones), and people want to help. They can only do that if you do the heavy lifting, figure out your targets and take action.

So, invest in yourself, do your research and let go of ego. If you start to do the opposite of what other job seekers are doing, you’ll soon notice others who are envious of all the opportunities coming your way.

 

Forbes.com | September 12, 2020 |  Dawn Graham

#JobSearch : If You’ve Been Beaten Up In The Job Search, It’s Time To Take Off The Gloves And Fight Back. A MUst REad!

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We were all raised to be nice, polite and considerate of others. As young children, our parents told us to watch what we say in public, not to purposely offend people and to always respect our elders.

This was and still is good, sound advice. There are times, though, when you have to respectfully diverge from your parent’s lessons. The real world, as an adult, is far different compared to being a kid. The jungle rules of the corporate world sometimes don’t lend itself to a pacifist approach. There are only so many times that you can smile, nod and say “thank you” to a person who has treated you like dirt. After months of getting kicked around, you have to start standing up for yourself. You can’t continue letting life push you around. It may be time to take the gloves off and fight back.

Looking for a job during the pandemic is brutal. Millions of Americans and people all over the world are out of work. Millions more worry about losing their positions. Six months into the Covid-19 outbreak, things are still hard. Career and job search advice dispensed by the so-called experts have not changed from the pre-coronavirus days. It’s the same type of stuff that our parents said—nice, safe, overly polite and noncontroversial.

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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Desperate times call for desperate measures. You can sit back and take the rudeness and abuse or you can stop playing defense and go on the offense. If you’ve been knocked around without realizing any success, you have nothing to lose and should start considering a more aggressive game plan. Here’s what I’d suggest that you do next.

  • Stop caring about what people may think or say about you. Instead hyperfocus on yourself and what you need to do to succeed in your job search. Go after what you really want to achieve.  Life is too short to settle for anything less than what you truly desire.
  • When you’re rejected, there’s no need to take “no” for an answer. Follow up with the company and their representatives by asking why you weren’t selected for the interview and job. Ask them for constructive feedback, so you could improve upon the next interview. If they refuse to respond, seek out their manager or an executive to tell them about the shabby treatment you have received. If everyone does this, corporations will be forced to change the way they operate and become more empathetic, transparent and communicative.
  • Contact everyone you know and demand their help. Hold them accountable. Let them know you’re in a tough bind. If people really care about you, they should want to find ways to help. It will be awkward, but if your friends, family, alumni, network, colleagues, former co-workers and prior managers aren’t there for you in your critical time of need, then it’s time to question why they’re in your life.
  • Boldly brand and market yourself on LinkedIn. Connect with people that can help your career. This will include hiring managers, human resources, internal talent acquisition professionals, recruiters and peers at companies you’d like to join. After these people accept your invitation, like and comment on their posts. Add your own thoughts, advice and articles. Position yourself as an expert and thought leader in your space. Soon, you’ll get noticed and decision makers will keep you in mind when they have suitable jobs.
  • If job listings seem like a stretch, take a chance. When a job is advertised as based in another city or state, ask if you could work remotely. The worst that happens is that they say no. Big deal, you can move on to the next one.
  • Track down the hiring managers and human resource professionals responsible for the job listings that you possess all the right background and experience. Contact them directly, let them know of your keen interest and the reasons why you’d be fantastic in the role. If they ignore you, keep trying to get in front of them. Find other people at the company who may be connected with the coveted job and contact them too, and tell them to put in a good word about how wonderful you are.
  • Get in touch with top recruiters that specialize in your field. Sometimes they may blow you off if they don’t currently have the right job for you at the time. That’s okay; keep trying to get in front of them, so that they’ll remember you and keep you in mind when they do have the appropriate job that’s a fit for you. Remember, a recruiter only gets paid when they place a person in a new job. If you have the appropriate talents for a job that that they’re recruiting for, they’d be happy to help—as they’ll earn a commission.
  • If all of the doors and windows are closed and locked, start considering a Plan B, pivot or reinvent yourself. You’ll be afraid to try something new, going back to school or starting all over again. If that’s the only option left, don’t bemoan your fate and go for it with gusto.

I get that this sounds sort of aggressive. It is, but it doesn’t mean you have to come across as a jerk. Follow these instructions in a polite and persistent manner. Never lose your cool, get angry or say anything nasty that you’ll later regret. Make them see you as the winner that you are.

It may take some time, but with this renewed vigorous mindset and strategy, you’ll eventually win everyone over with your charm, skills, talents, enthusiasm, motivation and relentless drive.

 

Forbes.com | September 11, 2020 | Jack Kelly

 

#YourCareer : Questions to Consider Before Changing Careers. You Can Go from Being ‘Employee-of-the-Month’ One Minute to Receiving your Pink Slip the Next.

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It used to be that people would stay at the same job for years. But now, it’s not the same job market, not the same companies, and certainly not the same employees. And throw a global pandemic in the mix, and everything is up for grabs.

People leave for all sorts of reasons, they either want a change of scenery or they leave to make more money. Companies can let go of employees for any reason too, you can go from being ‘Employee-of-the-Month’ one minute to receiving your pink slip the next. Employers don’t have loyalty to their employees, so employees are looking to better their situation by changing careers or by finding new employment.

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

Today, a career jump is often needed to generate an increase in income. However, there can be a dark side to changing jobs, so you have to be cautious when doing so. Besides, can changing your career improve your situation? Everybody needs some advice from time to time, so what are some ways that changing your career can benefit you?

  1. Do you have a reason to change?
    The best advice is to look before you leap. Do some research over the company you’re considering and see if their organizational structure aligns with your career goals. This is a big decision in life, so you want to have the proper perspective before you make a decision. If your current situation is not prosperous, then do what you can to find a better situation for yourself, just make sure that it’s the right situation.
  2. The lack of knowledge or experience
    Without the right amount of experience and knowledge in your new field, a potential career change could be a big mistake. But, if you’re fortunate enough to find an HR manager who wants to see what you can do, then be prepared to dazzle your new employer. If you don’t show that you can step up and provide what they’re looking for, then your new career might just flop. You should educate yourself on your new position and find out as much as you can on the industry. Just be prepared.
  3. Is the money right?
    Don’t sleep on the thought of earning more money. Money can be an excellent motivational tool but if it’s the sole reason for your career change, you could miss out on the bigger picture. Your quality of life will not determine your overall job satisfaction, so make sure you know what you want when you decide.
  4. Don’t go for the new hot industry
    Because it could be over before it starts. Remember the Dot.com crash, same thing, if you choose an industry that has seen tremendous growth in a short time, and you think “Now’s the time to cash in”, you could be setting yourself up for failure. Just beware the peaks and valleys of new industry.
  5. Narrow your focus
    Find something that you would love to do. Don’t be overly ambitious or fearful of change – but make sure that you know what you want to do. Many people never consider the jobs that they may be qualified for in a parallel industry, so see what options you have before you do a complete 180º.

Switching careers is never easy. When you have years of experience in a certain industry and want to make a switch, just think about how much more competition you’ll have. However, sometimes a career switch is necessary; just go in with your eyes wide open.

FSC Career Blog Author:  Ms. Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog |  September 10, 2020

#YourCareer : 5 Career Questions No One Talks About (But Everyone Thinks About). But Here’s the Thing: Many People Struggle with Their Careers. Your Not Alone.

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With so many books and resources available about how to strive for success, you’d think most people would feel confident about their career journey, blissfully moving from one job to the next, feeling clear-headed and excited. Right?  That sounds ideal, but unfortunately, it isn’t the reality for most people.

No matter how many learning resources are out there, careers are very personal, and you’re bound to face plenty of times of uncertainty throughout the course of your professional life.

Often, when we’re questioning something, we don’t ask it out loud. We keep it locked inside our minds, reluctant to seek advice because we feel as if we should have it all figured out already. We remain silent because we think there must be something wrong with us.

But here’s the thing: Many people struggle with their careers. This isn’t something you’re alone in, and it certainly isn’t something you should be embarrassed about.

Finding the answers to some of these big career questions can be daunting. It requires knowing exactly who you are, and digging deep. This introspection might be uncomfortable, but it’ll also be more than worth it—the answers to your most pressing career questions are inside of you. You just have to slow down enough to find them.

1. Is Work Supposed To Be This Hard?

Even a job you love won’t be rainbows and unicorns all the time. But, overall, your work should energize and fulfill you. Start paying attention to the hard moments. How difficult are they? Do they make you lose sleep, have panic attacks, and feel anxious often? If so, these are clear signs that it’s not healthy for you, and you probably shouldn’t continue.

Ultimately, you want to figure out if your work is joyfully hard (it excites you and doesn’t plague you with negative emotions) or painfully hard (it puts you in a bad mood and you’re on the brink of burnout). If the answer is the latter (most of the time), it’s time to pack up and move on.

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

2. Why Do I Feel Like A Failure When I Mess Up Or Don’t Succeed?

Believe it or not, failure is critical to being successful. You need to experience it in order to learn and grow. When mistakes happen, which they will, you need to manage your mental chatter and reverse the negative thinking. Instead of branding yourself a failure, view each time you don’t succeed as an amazing learning opportunity.

Here’s an example: My client Karen was recently laid off after only being in her role for two months. She made a critical error that resulted in the decision. Rather than letting the situation get her down, I helped her see that the role she was fired from was one that she was already feeling uneasy about. We started to see the firing as a gift, as staying would have ended up creating more angst in the long run. Because she was able to see this event as an opportunity, she’s used her time job-searching to re-think her career. Now, instead of seeking out another position, she’s starting her own business, and she’s more energized than ever.

Remember: Feeling like a failure is a choice. Choose a different path. Don’t let it affect your self-worth.

3. Why Do I Care So Much About What My Family Thinks About My Career? 

Here’s the thing: The only opinion that matters when it comes to the type of work you do is yours. Trust me, I know—pressure from parents, spouses, or others in your life can be tough to overcome. But if their advice feels wrong, or if it makes you feel exhausted or unmotivated, then you shouldn’t take it.

Rejecting their suggestions can be difficult, but it’s a key to success. Get connected to what you really want, then stay true to it regardless of what anyone else thinks. I had experience firsthand with this when I started my own business. My parents are not entrepreneurs, and the thought of starting a business from scratch was something they saw as risky. They tried to deter my decision, and they often asked when I was going to get a “real” job. I decided to ignore their suggestions and honor my energy and drive. Nearly 12 years later, it’s been one of the best decisions of my life.

4. I Don’t Feel Motivated—Is This Normal?

Not only is every feeling normal, but you should pay close attention to each one. Not motivated? That’s definitely something to dig into. What specifically do you not want to do? Which part of your work feels like it’s draining your energy the most? Take note: Only you, not anyone else, can answer these questions.

While many people have felt a lull in motivation over the past several challenging months, feeling chronically unmotivated at your job is most likely a sign that you’re doing the wrong type of work for who you are. Honor your gut instincts. Don’t let fear get in the way.

5. Why Isn’t My Career Where I Want It To Be Even Though I Followed All The Rules?

The mere fact that you’re asking yourself this is something to celebrate, because it means you’re ready for growth and clarity. The reality is, most of society’s “rules for success” are just plain wrong—and this includes what your family and friends say (unless, of course, one of them is a career expert!).

If you followed “the rules,” it’s not surprising that you may have ended up on the wrong path. Take a good look at each step you took and what rules you followed. Which ones didn’t feel right to you? For example, did getting that extra degree excite you, or did you do it because you thought you needed the credential? Were you trying to make your parents—or even your boss—happy? Be truthful.

More often than not, being true to who you are requires breaking rules. I’ve worked with hundreds of clients, and almost every person has an example of following someone else’s rules and experiencing the frustration of it not being right for them. But for those who have broken rules because the alternative approach was a result of them being true to themselves? Not a single one has ever regretted it. Bill Gates is a well known rule-breaker, and you can see how far it’s gotten him! Once you accept this, you can create a path that is absolutely the right path for you.

Forbes.com | September 8, 2020 | Laura Garnett

#JobSearch : 95% Of Recruiters Are On LinkedIn Looking For Job Candidates. How To Impress Them. A MUst REad!

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LinkedIn is the hottest career development tool out there right now. It is where Recruiters and HR personnel are looking for candidates. Whether you are passively looking, or actively engaged in a job hunt, making sure you have an enticing LinkedIn Profile that effectively advertises you is essential.

Here is a brief guide to improve your profile and help you stand out to employers.

The HEADLINE

By default, LinkedIn lists your current job title as your headline. Crucial mistake. This section is the most searched section on LinkedIn’s platform especially by recruiters and HR. This headline is your big advertisement to market yourself to the world. It needs to be well thought out, concise, and strategically written. It uses words that will attract someone to check you out in the search. But first, they must find you. In your headline, use the appropriate job titles you want to hold. Use a straight slash –  l  – between each job title. You can also add the industry you want to work in.

For example, Mary, 57, was a career counseling client who was stuck at the Director level and kept getting passed over. At 57, she needed to make a move and needed help with LinkedIn. She said, “I never realized you could optimize your headline. Certainly, I never thought of using it to target where I want to go.” So we developed this headline:

Healthcare Consultant l Vice President Pharmacy l Vice President Healthcare l VP Pharmacy

Caution: when you add a new job to your work experience, there is a checked box that automatically changes your headline to this new job title. Be sure to uncheck it, so the new headline you have created does not get erased.

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

The Summary or ABOUT section

People are only able to see the first few sentences when they come to your page before they need to hit “show more,” so those opening sentences need to pull the reader in and grab their attention. Write your summary in the first person, as it’s designed to display your personality. Think about how you would talk and introduce yourself to a new colleague. You may have some impressive background or something a boss or client has said about you that you wish to emphasize. Focus the reader quickly because if you don’t capture their interest right away, they’ll go away. It must be immediately apparent to any reader what value you offer. They want to know who you are and what is unique about you. State that quickly in a friendly voice. Call-to-Action is the best way to end. Either describe the job you seek or ask people to connect.

Use a background photo

Want to look like you are tech-savvy, smart, and cool? If you go to your LinkedIn page, you’ll notice that behind your photo is the default background. It is blue with some faint white dots and lines that is quite boring because everyone has it. The good news is that this background can be changed. LinkedIn allows you to customize a background to your profile photo. By changing this background, you’ll give your profile page a big boost, individualize yourself, and stand out from the crowd.

Put some thought into how your background should look. What is the right image you want to portray that will support your personal brand? Then select a photo that will complement your photograph. Common backgrounds are of cities you live in, places you have been, a business scene, or abstract background.  

Here are the background dimensions for posting. The desktop size is 1584 x 336 pixels, but a lot of that will get cropped off on smaller screens if people are using their smartphones. A more suitable size is likely 1000 x 120 pixels. This is a long narrow photo you are uploading to use as your background picture. Be sure it has good resolution.

Choosing your personal photo

You need a terrific, current headshot on LinkedIn. Resist the temptation to use a picture that was taken years ago. I don’t advise my career counseling clients to invest in a professional photoshoot as it is an expensive option. With the capabilities we have on smartphones or with friends who love photography that have DSL cameras, you can get a perfect photo. The goal is to look warm and engaging.

Take a headshot with a plain background. Nothing else should be in the picture but your head, neck, and possibly the top of your shoulders. Wear professional attire. Think business dressed-up causal, or how you would dress if you are visiting a big client or going to see the CEO. Makeup will help you look more youthful if it’s applied well. It is essential to SMILE. Everyone looks better in good lighting. Try taking your photo outside. A cloudy overcast day yields an excellent picture. If you take the picture inside, make sure your face is fully lite from all sides.

Recruiters read recommendations

This is a vital section that most people overlook, forget about, or have not had anyone recommend them in recent years. Think of bosses, co-workers, staff, or vendors who will say great things about you. You want to get at least five recommendations up on LinkedIn; more is better. Many times if you write a recommendation for your connection on their profile page first, LinkedIn’s system automatically tells the connection they have a new recommendation and asks if they want to return the favor. This kind of nudges the person into writing one for you.

Skill Endorsement

The skills endorsement section is where your connections click to say you have that talent. It is the easiest area to change. You can edit the skills you want to add to your profile. To begin, determine what the important skills for the next job you seek are. You can then use the edit function to add these in if they aren’t there. You can also change the order of those skills you do have by moving a skill up. This is a good idea if you want people to pick a specific skill that you think should stand out more.

 

Author:  Robin Ryan A career counselor that helps clients land jobs, I offer Resume Writing, LinkedIn Profile Writing, and Interview Coaching services. 

 

Forbes.com | September 9, 2020

 

 

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#JobSearch : 4 Big Changes To Your LinkedIn Profile You Need To Know About. Your LinkedIn Profile is One of the Most Powerful Career Assets you Have.

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Your LinkedIn profile is one of the most powerful career assets you have. It’s your professional portfolio—a multimedia representation of who you are and the value you deliver. And in our new all-the-time, all-virtual world thanks to Covid-19, your LinkedIn profile has become your first impression. What’s more, your LinkedIn About section (formerly called your Summary) will be the most read version of your bio.

In today’s uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to stay on top of your LinkedIn profile and to refine it regularly so it’s always relevant and compelling to the people you want to reach. You also need to stay on top of the myriad refinements and new features LinkedIn adds to the platform so you can instantly benefit from them and ensure your personal brand stands out and clearly differentiates you from the hundreds of millions of other LinkedIn members.

LinkedIn’s latest blog post references many of the most recent changes. The ones I highlight here will be most valuable to you as you build your brand and make a positive, authentic first impression online.

Let people know you’re open to new adventures.

With the new OpenToWork photo frame on your headshot, you can alert those who are checking you out that you’re ready for your next big gig. I’m thrilled that LinkedIn added this. Before this feature came along, many who were seeking work used their headline to tell others of their availability with a statement like “Ready for my next adventure” or “Seeking New Opportunities.”

This created two challenges. First, it sounded a little desperate, and second, it reduced the number of characters available in your headline to tell people who you are, what you do and the value you create when you do it. This new format is a little more subtle and creates consistency across the platform for those who are in job-seeking mode. The words in your headline are important in the LinkedIn search algorithm, so you want to use exactly the right keywords to reel in those who are looking for what you have to offer. Luckily, you no longer have to waste those words by telling people you’re looking for work.

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

Help people pronounce your name.

LinkedIn allows you to create a recording of your name pronunciation and attach it to your profile just to the right of your name so those who want to connect with you don’t have to guess how it’s spelled or say it and then ask, “Did I get that pronunciation right?” It can only be added in the mobile app. Here’s how it looks (and sounds) once you’ve done it.

Shine a spotlight on your best work.

LinkedIn has allowed you to add multimedia to your profile for years now, but they enhanced this feature recently. Before, you could add multimedia to the bottom of your About (and to the Experience section of your profile). Now, they’ve created a whole new section called Featured, where you can put your most relevant and up-to-date images, videos, PDFs, etc. to augment and reinforce what you say about yourself in your About. And it has been given some really important real estate, appearing in a large panel right below your About. Being a completely new element of your profile, the Featured section serves as a dynamic billboard of items you can showcase to demonstrate your brilliance. Update it regularly so it remains current and relevant.

Use more characters to tell your story.

LinkedIn also increased the character count of important elements of your profile. This allows you to be a bit more robust in telling your story. The new headline count doubled from 120 characters to 240, and the new About increased from 2,000 characters to 2,600. Of course, don’t use the new characters just because LinkedIn is giving them to you. You still need to make sure every word you include is potent and delivers value to the reader of your profile. Prioritize pithy over pompous, but use as many characters as you need to make people want to get to know you.

Stay on top of LinkedIn features and take advantage of them as soon as you learn about them. Building your brand and advancing your career in the virtual age means building a current, authentic and magnetic online profile that’s congruent with the real you.

Author:  William Arruda is a founder of CareerBlast and co-creator of BrandBoost – a video-based personal branding talent development experience.

 

Forbes.com | September 7, 2020

#JobSearch : Switchers Are The Future Of Work. Are You Ready To REINVENT Yourself? It’s Time to Take Control of your Career Before it Takes Control of You! A MUst REad!

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The first time I got laid off, it hit me like a semi-truck. I’d recently been promoted, was receiving great performance reviews, and saw a long-term future at a company I enjoyed where I’d managed two regional functions and built relationships across multiple offices.

Then, poof! Just like that, I received a call at 5pm on a Tuesday saying my job was gone. It was 2002 and I was working for Arthur Anderson.

I was shocked, terrified and completely lost. My core identity had been ripped away, even though I’d been doing everything right – working long hours, taking initiative to volunteer for extra projects, and even earning a Masters Degree in the evenings (despite my high school guidance counselor hinting my test scores weren’t college worthy). Often, I would return to the office at 10pm after class to prove I was dedicated. To top it off, when this happened, I was in the middle of a divorce and a cross-country relocation, so the timing couldn’t have been worse.

After applying desperately online for months, it seemed inevitable I’d be asking my parents if I could rent my old bedroom. All my professional contacts were in the same position of looking for new employment, and the brand I had once been proud to be associated with was now a bad joke in the marketplace.

One night in passing, I shared my sob story with my neighbor, mentioning the companies where I’d been applying, only to learn that his colleague was married to a Director at one of my top choices. He offered to pass my resume along and within two weeks, I had an interview. After months of online applications resulting in zilch, one brief conversation landed me an opportunity. In that moment, I realized the problem wasn’t that I hadn’t been working hard enough, but rather I was focusing my energy in the wrong places.

If your career has been significantly disrupted in the last six months, you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve been applying online without success and are dealing with competing challenges like trying to homeschool young children? It feels like an out-of-control roller coaster going off the rails and makes you wonder how you ticked off the karma gods to deserve this nightmare.

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Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

I’ve been there, and it’s terrifying and overwhelming to realize that even after struggling to climb the ladder, a bad few months can knock you right back to the bottom rung. These are highly unsettling times, and while I wouldn’t wish this hardship on anyone, there is some good news. You will get through it, and you will be stronger for it. In fact, despite how it might feel, you’re not even close to the bottom of the ladder and haven’t lost as much as it might seem. Right now, you’re actually building your resilience, resourcefulness and adaptability, which are key skills for the future of work, and can only, unfortunately, be acquired by enduring tough times.

You may also feel angry and frustrated. I certainly did back in 2002, and eventually I used that anger to fuel my actions to create the career I have today, helping people get unstuck, find satisfying work and feel in control of their careers, regardless of what’s happening in the economy. And I want to share how you can make that happen, because even if this is the first time you’ve found yourself in an unexpected career situation, it certainly won’t be the last.

Even before Covid-19, the professional world was changing rapidly with technology advances, globalization, contract roles, delayed retirement, and a growing misalignment between education and marketable skills. The pandemic has accelerated this, decimating industries, turning office buildings into ghost towns, and catapulting technology into the center of all our lives from Zoom family meetings to contactless payment structures.

Switchers ARE the future of work, and you need to be ready to reinvent, not just now, but likely every few years for the remainder of your professional career. A career switcher is someone who makes an industry change, functional change or both in their career trajectory. And if you haven’t made a major pivot, chances are it’s only a matter of time before you’re forced to, perhaps at the least convenient moment. So why not get ahead of it?

The painful lesson I learned 20 years ago and some may be experiencing today is: stellar skills and hard work aren’t enough. In addition, it’s critical to have a strong network of diverse connections (inside and outside your company) with people who know your brand and are willing to go to bat for you. These three things – 1) marketable skills, 2) a visible brand and 3) a strong network are the foundation I’ve built my career upon, and it’s not only worked for me, but hundreds of others whom I’ve had the privilege to coach.

And it’ll work for you. Switchers are the future of work, so here’s how you can get ready:

Step 1 – Mindset. One of the most important steps in taking control of your career is taking control of that voice in your head. The one that tells you you’re not good enough, things are too unfair, it’s not the best time or it won’t work. Our thoughts create our mindset and to be a successful switcher, you need to be your own biggest cheerleader. If you’re thinking, “I have no idea where to begin” you’re in good company. Many industries and functions are emerging or evolving and we’re all learning at the same time.

I had a client who had worked at one company for 25 years and was convinced he had no option other than to ride out his career there, even though new leadership had created a toxic culture. Making a big change was scary as hell after 25 years, so he used this incorrect and untested belief to accept it. But after working together, developing a list of accomplishments with transferable skills and speaking to his network, he started to see himself differently and his mindset shifted. He landed a great job a few months later and laughs when he remembers how scary it felt to make a move.

It’s okay to feel fear, but take small steps forward regardless. Don’t wait until you know it’s the right step – just take action. Each step forward helps you see things from a new vantage point. So, do you have an untested belief that’s holding you back? Action kills anxiety, so try something new today and see where it leads.

Step 2 – Reinvention. Part of the reason a career switch is so scary is because it requires us to shed – or at least alter – an identity we’ve become attached to. This is no small task and most don’t realize how comfortable we’ve gotten in how we identify with our careers. Changing makes us vulnerable – we’re pursuing something we don’t feel we have expertise in, which can be difficult if you’ve built up a reputation in your field as the “go-to” person.

But reinventing ourselves is something we’re all going to need to get comfortable with as the market continues to morph. Those who grasp tightly to old ways of doing things will be left behind, so now is a great time to start looking at your experience more holistically. Reflect on ALL your roles, education, projects, volunteer positions, certifications and experiences and you’ll see you have many transferable skills. Identify which are most in-demand in today’s marketplace and how you can present yourself as a problem solver for key challenges. Also, this exercise can help to identify skills gaps so you can proactively pursue opportunities to close those gaps.

While two-thirds of Americans believe technology will eventually take over about 50% of current roles, over 80% of those same people believe their roles won’t be impacted. Clearly, there’s a disconnect. We need to face the reality our careers will look different in the not too distant future. No one is going to manage your career as well as you, so make it a habit to focus on reinventing periodically, even (or especially!) in good economic times. You’re more than your title, so don’t sell yourself short.

Step 3 – Brand. Once you begin to look at yourself more holistically, not just as a title or label, but rather as a complex package of experiences, knowledge and abilities, you’ll be able to more clearly understand the value you bring to the market, and especially your target audience, and how your skills can solve their biggest pain points. Your target audience can be found by asking yourself the question, “What problems do I want to solve and who is doing that work?” The key is to brand yourself as the solution to your audience’s problems, in how you introduce yourself, your online content, through your network – visibly be the candidate they’re looking for.

This may mean removing some irrelevant items from your resume, and no longer using titles to identify yourself, but instead introducing yourself with your value. I had a client who was an attorney and wanted to work in HR and the moment she stopped introducing herself as a lawyer who wanted to be in HR, but rather an accomplished corporate professional who helped design policies to protect employees, she started to get interest from hiring managers.

If creating a professional brand is a new concept, get insights from people who know you. Friends can be valuable sources of information regarding strengths and achievements we sometimes fail to give ourselves adequate credit for.

Step 4 – Ambassadors. As you reinvent, it’s your responsibility to help those in your network to see you in a new way, including the value you bring to your target audience. If your contacts understand your brand, they can be ambassadors for you, opening the door to potential opportunities or relaying helpful information during your job search. We know more than 70% are jobs are filled before they’re advertised, and referrals account for 40% of hires even though they’re only 7% of applicants. If your primary strategy is online applications, you’re not only competing with 100% of the applicants for only 30% of available jobs, but you’re missing out on some great roles that may never go public.

One of the easiest ways to network is to start with people you know – those who already trust you and want to see you succeed. They have their own circles of contacts who can likely help if you’re clear and specific in what you need. Don’t underestimate anyone – social media has expanded all our networks and you may be surprised at what emerges.

One time, I mentioned to my brother I was trying to land a speaking gig at a company in NY. Coincidentally, his good friend in Utah, knew the head of the organization, which after a few emails, ended with me giving that talk 6 months later. It’s a little shocking someone in my immediate family had access to contacts I didn’t, but it’s easy to forget we all interact with diverse groups of people every day – at work, online, in the community – everywhere.

Make it easy for your contacts to help by sharing the language they can use to introduce you, having a clear goal and asking for something they are uniquely able to offer. Then, you’ll start seeing results!

The future of work is here. The pandemic opened our eyes to the fact that job security is a myth, even for high achievers. Also, change is not only constant in the marketplace, but now it’s accelerated. Companies are struggling with the same ambiguity and uncertainty that we are as individuals. Our careers are not their priority. But, they need to be our priority.

It’s time to take control of your career before it takes control of you.  Happy hunting!

 

Forbes.com | September 4, 2020 | Dawn Graham

#JobSearch : Why You Should Consider A Part-Time Job During Covid-19: Top Companies Hiring. Instead of Holding Out Hoping for Things to Return to Normal, Great Options.

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Your paychecks have stopped coming in, your savings have begun to dwindle and your unemployment benefits are set to expire.  What initially looked like it’d be a temporary blip in your career has started to feel more permanent.  You aren’t alone.

Roughly 30 million Americans are receiving unemployment and 4.1 million Americans lost jobs between the first and second weeks in July. Of those who have lost jobs because of the pandemic, 47% believe their jobs are unlikely to come back. According to Yelp, since temporarily their shut doors, 60% of restaurants, 48% or retail, and 36% of spas listed on the site have permanently closed.

Instead of holding out for your job to bring you back, or hoping for things to return to normal, it’s time to look at alternative solutions. Options do exist for you, and one to seriously consider is part-time employment.

A part-time job (fewer than 35 hours per week) may be the lifeline that holds you over while being laid off or applying for a more long-term commitment. It’s also a permission slip to be more experimental in your career, and discover new paths that may feel more aligned for your next move. After all, you could be stimulated by taking on two part-time jobs! Part-time employees are reported to volunteer more, and one-third of part-time employees actually choose this path so they have more options and don’t have to commit to one employer or job.

If this sounds appealing, here is a list, largely identified by FlexJobs, of some of the top career areas, and companies hiring work-from-home part-time employees.

 1. Teacher

Education hasn’t stopped; it has pivoted. While schools grapple with online and remote education offerings for students, employment options that didn’t previously exist are opening up. Families in America have even started microschools or homeschoolpods where groups of families pool together to have a private tutor educate their children in a small setting.

If you have a natural ability to connect with children, are committed to helping others, and know how to explain concepts easily becoming a tutor or teacher could be a great career for you.  Most great teachers are known for being patient and good listeners.  If this sounds like you, here are some career options to consider:

Kaplan: A nonprofit educational program that helps students of all ages achieve academic success. They are currently hiring:

  • Tutor—Mentor
  • Teaching Assistant
  • Nursing Instructor

 

K12: Online learning platform that offers web-based interactive classes and learning modules for students of all ages.

  • PE—Health Teacher
  • Teacher, General Science
  • Art Teacher

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

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Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs @

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Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

2. Writer/Editor

In times of stress and struggle, clear communication is needed more than ever. Whether it be writing web copy or public relations media releases, or diving into editing medical white papers, the job market remains open. Businesses are turning online more than ever and it shows, 70% of marketing teams report investing in content (blogs, ad copy, landing page web copy etc.) for generating sales. This means businesses need people who specialize in words and an eye for detail.

Writers and editors tend to lean more introverted and don’t mind spending a large amount of time focused on their work in a solitary environment. If you are observant, always pay attention to the details and can spot even the smallest grammatical error, take a look at these job options:

Achieve Test Prep: An academic support organization providing test preparation and college-education consulting services to adults and college-bound children.

 

  • Dental Hygienist Curriculum Writer

 

Cactus Communication: Provider of communication solutions specifically for pharmaceutical and device companies.

 

  • Editor—Business and Finance
  • Editor—Chemistry
  • Editor—Engineering and Technology

 

Upwork and Fiverr: These online platforms for freelancers have an endless list of job options for writers and editors to apply for.  Anything from managing social media caption posts to blog writing and editing books can be found on these sites.

3. Language

There couldn’t be a better time to be bilingual. Studies have shown that bilingual employees can earn between 5% and 20% more money per hour than those who speak only one language. If you are proficient with more than one language, put this powerful skill set to use as an interpreter or language tutor. These roles can easily be completed from the comfort and safety of your home.

Aside from knowing more than one language (obviously) interpreters and tutors are known for performing well under pressure, having a passion for culture, and hold a strong ethical outlook.  If this sounds enticing, check out these jobs options:

LanguageLine Solutions: Provider of face-to-face, over-the-phone, and video-conference interpreting and document translation services.

 

  • Dari Interpreter
  • Berber Interpreter
  • Croatian Interpreter

 

Rosetta Stone: Language-based learning software that educates members on learning a second or new language.

 

  • English Online Language Tutor
  • Italian Online Language Tutor

 

3. Accounting And Finance

With taxes in flux, payroll and work staff fluctuations and the need to manage PPP loans, businesses need financial support and bookkeeping in order to stay ahead of all the financial implications the Covid-19 pandemic has sparked. The PPP loans come with a myriad of requirements that must be managed in a short timeframe in order to be considered forgivable. It is in a business’s best interest to work with someone who knows the ins and outs of both finances and loan contracts.

If you have a background in finance or are analytically organized, here is a top company looking to hire part-time employees:

Supporting Strategies: An outsourced operational support corporation and bookkeeping firm. Roles include:

 

  • Accountant
  • Bookkeeper
  • Manager, Remote Accounting Services

 

4. Business Marketing and Operations

Becoming a virtual assistant or diving into a niche business-marketing tactic, such as lead generation, is a great way to determine whether a company is a good fit for you while learning new skills. Assistants tackle many of the day-to-day needs within a business and this experience can open your eyes to learn what you do best and what aspect of business you want to develop yourself toward.

If you are reliable, highly organized, and know how to communicate clearly, pursuing a job as a VA or marketing assistant may be for you. Here are few of the top-ranked remote-work companies for part-time business needs:

Profit Factory: Corporation that provides educational and consulting services to entrepreneurs and business owners to streamline their processes, projects, and people. Roles include:

 

  • Virtual Assistant
  • Executive Virtual Assistant
  • Virtual Client Care—Facebook Ads Assistant

 

Expert Business Development: A business-to-business (B2B) relationship development firm that helps clients generate and maintain crucial business contacts.

 

  • B2B Lead Generation Specialist

 

5. Therapies And Health

A few months ago I committed myself to improve my overall wellness, and I know I am not alone in this. A larger emphasis has been placed on the general population’s overall health. One way this is being managed is through a spike in Telehealth. The demand for Telehealth has increased 64.3% nationwide since the disruptions of Covid-19.

If you have an interest in technology, are passionate about helping patients with their health and wellness, and can speak with a clear and confident voice, Telehealth and remote wellness job options would suit you well.

While these career paths do require higher education, if you carry a healthcare degree and are looking for additional or part-time work, here are a few great options:

VocoVision: A child’s therapy telepractice program. Most positions do require advanced education and specialized training. The following positions were recently posted:

 

  • Speech Language Pathologist
  • School Psychologist
  • Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

 

Doctor on Demand: A hospital and healthcare telemedicine company providing on-demand, remote appointments with licensed medical professionals.

 

  • Psychiatrist
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • Master Level Therapist

 

Don’t look at your next career move as “all or nothing,” be strategic with your career roles and seriously consider part-time employment as a possibility. This could be the pivot that lands you in a full-time career that is better than your last.

Get serious about finding a job. It’s time to be flexible, creative, and forward-thinking.

 

Forbes.com | September 4, 2020 | Ashley Stahl

#JobSearch : Tips on Connecting with a Hiring Manager. When in an Active Job Search, You have to Take Every Advantage Available.

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When in an active job search, executives have to take every advantage available. With so much competition, standing out can be challenging. Hiring a professional job search company is always an option, but you also have to take it a few steps further.

One of the most effective ways to make yourself known is by communicating directly with the hiring manager at the company you’re interested in working at. Of course, this can be easier said than done, but it is entirely possible with diligent effort and research. Here are some tips to consider. 

Determine Who the Hiring Manager Is

It’s ok if you can’t find out who the hiring manager is. Usually, you can find out their name, unless they REALLY don’t want to be found. If you do an online search, use your network, check the company website, or look at the LinkedIn profile of various members of the organization you may find some tips as to who is responsible for hiring candidates. You could also be bold and simply contact the company by phone and ask for the name of the hiring manager. Once you have the name, you can communicate directly with the person.

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued … 

Research Them

Once you have their name, go to their LinkedIn profile or google them to find out about them. If you reach out to them through your LinkedIn profile, it gives you the chance to have your name seen prior to sending in your resume and cover letter. Many times, the hiring manager may not respond to your LinkedIn message for various reasons, but at least your name will be recognized when you do send in your resume. Any way you can connect with them will help your cause and make your name recognizable. 

Be Proactive but Not Pushy

There’s a big difference between being proactive and being annoying or pushy. Many executive resume writers will tell you to send in your resume and wait one week or so before following up. When you reach out to them every day to check on the status of your application, you will most likely be thrown out of the pool of candidates. No one likes to work with a pushy person, so know your limits and contact the hiring manager when appropriate.

If you have a connection with them, make sure to mention the name right away. Remember that they are dealing with hundreds of job seekers every week. Your job is to make yourself memorable in a positive way.

FSC Career Blog Author:  Ms. Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog |  September 3, 2020